Tips about entering a Family Support Service Agreement

Before you enter a Family Support Service Agreement:

• Compare the ministry's support services to the community resources available.
• Take notes and keep track of all your contacts with the social worker or any other service provider.
• Get legal advice before signing an agreement. Entering into a formal agreement is a serious step to take. Agree to it only if all other options will not work for you or your children. Always put your children's safety and best interests first.
• Be realistic about the agreement. Agree only to what you know is helpful. Make the agreement for the shortest possible time and build your local community services and resources into the plan.
• Keep in mind that entering into a formal agreement with the ministry means that your home and your parenting are open to ministry scrutiny.
• Contact an advocate or lawyer immediately if the ministry decides that child protection concerns warrant further investigation and the ministry opens a "protective" file. If you are financially eligible and your case is covered, legal aid can help. See If someone reports you to the ministry for more information.